OVERVIEW
- isolated from the right atrium
- 28 aa peptide
- potent diuretic/natriuretic effect on kidney + vasodilator effects on resistance & capacitance of blood vessels
- released in response to atrial stretching (ie. fluid overload)
FUNCTIONS
- vasodilation of afferent > efferent arterioles -> increased GFR
- increased urinary Na+ & H2O excretion
- relaxation of vascular smooth muscle -> vasodilation
- inhibition of plasma renin activity
- inhibition of aldosterone release
- inhibition of ADH secretion by post-pituitary
References and Links
- Witthaut R. Science review: natriuretic peptides in critical illness. Crit Care. 2004 Oct;8(5):342-9. Epub 2004 Jun 17. PMCID: PMC1065010.
Critical Care
Compendium
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